Meaning & use
research
Last updated
Meanings
verbtransitive or intransitive
To study something carefully in order to find out facts or learn more about it.
Grammar: Takes an object (research the topic) or none (she researches in the lab).
Patterns
- research something
- research into something
She researched the town's history before writing the book.
Scientists are researching new ways to store energy.
Before buying a car, he spent a week researching prices.
noununcountable
Careful study of a subject to discover facts or reach new understanding.
Grammar: Uncountable: do research, not 'do a research'; say 'a piece of research'.
Patterns
- research into something
- research on something
The research shows that sleep helps memory.
He does research on ocean currents.
Further research is needed.
Word forms
| third person singular | researches |
|---|---|
| past tense | researched |
| past participle | researched |
| -ing form | researching |
Common combinations
- carry out research
- The team carried out research on diet.
- research findings
- The research findings were published online.
- conduct research
- She conducts research at the university.
- do your research
- Do your research before investing.
- research into
- Research into the disease continues.
Synonyms and how they differ
- investigate
- Often examines a specific event or problem.
- study
- Broader, includes learning at school.
- explore
- Looser and less systematic.
Word family
- researcher noun
- a person who does research
- researched adjective
- based on careful study
Commonly confused: research or search?
research vs search
Search means to look for something; research is a methodical study.
Practice
Which sentence is correct?
Choose one answer.
Research is usually uncountable, so no 'a' and no plural.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “research”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.